Looking for a new or even your first pair of running shoes? Finding the right pair can be a challenge. To help you out, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to the best running shoes below.
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How to choose good running shoes?
Here are some essential elements to keep in mind when making your choice:
- Where are you going to run? More on the road/asphalt, gravel paths or trails?
- Comfort. Certainly the most important criterion, to be comfortable in the shoe and during your race.
- Cushioningnamely (the thickness of the material under the midsole and the firmness of the foam. Do you want to feel like you are running on a cloud with maximum cushioning or feel the ground under your feet?
- The type of approach. Most runners will be able to choose a neutral shoe, but if your foot tends to roll outward (supinator stride) or inward (pronator stride), there are shoes that can help.
- Adjustment or tightening. Your shoe should fit well from the start, with no break-in period.
Here are the 8 best running shoes on the market this season
1. Asics Novablast 4
This shoe is, for many experts, one of the best on the market. Combining versatile maximum cushioning with snappy geometry, this shoe accommodates a wide variety of runners and races. It also provides excellent support and is extremely comfortable. The new woven upper wraps the foot securely. There’s plenty of room for the toe, but with a slightly tighter fit in the midfoot, which creates the sensation of cradling the foot. The Novablast is a great choice for runners who prioritize comfort over speed, but still want to be able to do it all with it.
2. Nike Pegasus 40
The Pegasus promises to adapt to all road running conditions, capable of being worn for both a marathon and your first 5k. It is a versatile running shoe, suitable for all levels of runners. The midsole contains a good amount of React foam for a light and snappy feel underfoot, without being too springy and leaving you unstable while running.
3. Puma Velocity Nitro 3
With the Velocity Nitro 3, Puma offers a good balance between comfort, responsiveness and versatility, all at an affordable price. A model that adapts perfectly to the shoe rotations of most runners. If you’re not one to splurge on shoes, these are versatile enough to be the only shoe you run in, guiding you through a variety of training scenarios.
4. On Cloudeclipse
Featuring On’s thickest midsole (37mm heel and 31mm forefoot) containing its Helion super-foam, the Cloudeclipse is designed to “take comfort levels to new heights.” The midsole also contains a double layer of On’s signature CloudTec (hollow pods that collapse and compress on impact), which helps create a soft landing. The Cloudeclipse isn’t the lightest shoe, but it has an interesting balance between cushioning and firmness to provide a balanced and fun ride on longer, easier runs.
5. Brooks Ghost 15
The Brooks Ghost 15 isn’t the most exciting or best-looking running shoe on the market, but it’s popular with beginners because of its firm, stable midsole and plush upper. It’s a durable shoe for daily runs. If you’re new to running and want a sturdy shoe that will support you during your first few miles, look no further!
6. Saucony Ride 17
The Saucony Ride 17 offers superb versatility, premium features like PWRRUN+ foam and excellent value, making it an ideal choice – and investment – for runners seeking comfort, performance and sustainability. It offers an impressive balance between cushioning and responsiveness, thanks to its improved midsole foam, providing a soft and bouncy feel.
7. Hoka Mach 5
The Hoka Mach 5 is light, well cushioned and comfortable. Thanks to the Profly+ midsole, underfoot cushioning is soft and plush while remaining responsive at faster paces. The lightweight upper is durable and breathable, and a finely padded tongue helps secure the midfoot. The lack of a rubber outsole reduces traction and long-term durability, but also helps reduce weight.
8. Decathlon Kiprun KD 900X
It is Decathlon’s fastest shoe, returning 75% of energy, because it is equipped with Pebax foam and carbon plate technology. It’s also the company’s most premium, although the price remains much lower than its major competing brands. If you’re looking for excellent energy return and great speed over long distances, this high-performance shoe promises to deliver. The midsole and upper are lightweight, yet durable, providing a dynamic ride on race day.
To build this list, we consulted the recommendations of several specialized sites in order to select the most frequent and highest rated, including Outside, Run Repeat, Gear Lab, Runner’s World, The New York Times, Tom’s Guide and Outdoor Gear Lab.
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